Epicheireme

An epicheireme (/ɛpiˈkaɪrim/ e-pee-KEYE-reem)^[a] is a compound syllogism in which at least one of the premises is stated along with a justification for itself.^[1]^[2] Epicheirema are abridged polysyllogisms.^[3] Like the enthymeme, epicheirema are often used in everyday speech.^{[citation needed]}

Basic form

An epicheireme is a compound syllogism in which at least one of the premises is stated along with a justification for itself. The justificatory portion is referred to as a causal proposition, and is usually introduced by the words "for", "since", or "because". An example of an epicheireme is as follows, with the causal proposition marked in bold italics:^[1]^[2]

All waiters are beneficent because they cater to the needs of their customers.

Darryl is a waiter.

Therefore, Darryl is beneficent.

Three kinds of epicheirema

Epicheirema are categorized in three varieties, depending on which premise (or premises) contain a causal proposition. In a first order epicheireme, the causal proposition is in the major premise.^{[citation needed]}

First Order Epicheireme

All M are P, since r

S is M

Therefore, S is P

(where r is the justification for the proposition that precedes it)

In a second order epicheireme, the causal proposition is in the minor premise.^{[citation needed]}

Second Order Epicheireme

All M are P

S is M, since r

Therefore, S is P

In a third order epichireme, there are causal propositions in both premises.^{[citation needed]}

Third Order Epicheireme

All M are P, since r₁

S is M, since r₂

Therefore, S is P

A concrete example of a third order epicheireme is as follows:

All waiters are beneficent because they cater to the needs of their customers.

Darryl is a waiter since Darryl serves tables at Chez Casimir

Therefore, Darryl is beneficent.

Notes

^ plural "epicheirema" /ɛpikaɪˈrimə/ e-pee-keye-REEM-ə

References

^ ^a ^b J. Maritain. Formal Logic. Sheed & Ward. p. 253. ASIN B0007F0HL0.
^ ^a ^b Martin Cothran (2017). Traditional Logic II. Memoria Press. p. 75.
^ Sister Miriam Joseph, C.S.C., Ph.D. The Trivium - The Liberal Arts of Logic, Grammar, and Rhetoric. PAUL DRY BOOKS. p. 145. ISBN 978-0967967509.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)

[1] ural "epicheirema" /ɛpikaɪˈrimə/ e-pee-keye-REEM-ə

[maritain-2] J. Maritain. Formal Logic. Sheed & Ward. p. 253. ASIN B0007F0HL0.

[cothran-3] Martin Cothran (2017). Traditional Logic II. Memoria Press. p. 75.

[4] Sister Miriam Joseph, C.S.C., Ph.D. The Trivium - The Liberal Arts of Logic, Grammar, and Rhetoric. PAUL DRY BOOKS. p. 145. ISBN 978-0967967509.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)

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